CHRISTMAS TREE, POST OFFICE, & WILDLIFE

The children decorate the Christmas trees with ornaments they’ve made.

Purpose: 1) This encourages the children to make this their personal event by inviting them to place their own name and artwork on the tree. 2) Those who ride the bucket lift to the top of the tree learn that their perception of reality changes with their perspective.

77% of the children liked this activity.

“They were excited to hang ornaments they created.”

“The students liked making the ornaments.”

“Students love seeing their artwork on the tree.”

2. MAGIC OWL POST OFFICE – LETTERS TO SANTA

The children write letters to Santa Claus and then drop their completed letters into a Special Delivery mailbox where they are delivered directly to Santa, who personally reads each one.

Purpose: This deals with the children’s concept of self-worth by stating that they are so important that Santa is going to read their letters first.

88% of the children liked this activity.

“They enjoyed writing & sending letters to Santa.”

“First graders are learning how to write letters.”

“It’s always good to have our students writing.”

“Great activity.”

“Really liked the experience.”

3. MAGIC OWL POST OFFICE – WILDLIFE EXHIBITS

The segue that transitions the children from the letter writing activity to the wildlife display are live owls, just like the ones that deliver mail for Harry Potter.

Purpose: The wildlife exhibit introduces a variety of indigenous animals, focusing on safety and a respect for wildlife.

90% of the children liked this activity.

“They thought the owls were from Harry Potter.”

“They loved this exhibit. We had just done an owl unit with owl pellets,

so they were excited to see owls in person.”

“Interesting birds!”

“They really loved the animals!”

“We enjoyed the live animals!”

“They loved the owls.”

“They really liked seeing the animals up close!”

“They loved being able to see the owls live and up close.”

“Amazed to see real life animals.”

“Loved it!”

“They all liked to see the real animals and to feel the real feathers on display.”